Community urged to back appeal to save Flintham woodland

A community group is appealing for help to buy a piece of land that is said to be home to more than 70 species of birds.

Members of the Friends of Flintham Spinney Woods have worked hard to protect the woods off the A46 at Flintham after it was put up for sale in November 2020.

The area, which covers around 17.6 acres, has since been named as an asset of community value by Rushcliffe Borough Council and the group has secured a tree preservation order for the land.

The group has also discovered that the woods are home to the only bat maternity roost in the county of the rare barbastelle bat.

Despite their extensive work to protect the area, Friends of Flintham Spinney Woods are now faced with a last resort option of buying the land for £125,000 from Highways England.

Jacqui Turrell, the group’s chairman, said: “Friends of Flintham Spinney Woods are passionate about saving this land. It is not only home to more than ten bat species but over 70 bird varieties, squirrels, muntjacs, deer to name a few.

“On achieving village ownership, it will ensure proper management and maintenance and will be invaluable to education groups, including Flintham Primary School children, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, community groups near and far.

“We have the support from Notts Wildlife Group, the Nottinghamshire Bat Group, Rushcliffe Nature Conservation Strategy Implementation Group, Environmental groups at Rushcliffe Borough Council and Nottinghamshire County Council and MP Robert Jenrick for this area to become a nature reserve, but that support does not extend to the much-needed money to fund the purchase.”

The group is looking to the community and local businesses for help to meet their fundraising target.

“I am appealing to anyone that can help with fund raising options, advise on our next possible steps or pledge a donation,” said Jacqui.

“We are trying to do our bit, supporting the governments green strategies and targets, helping to tackle climate change and the biodiversity crisis, protecting flora and fauna, whilst ultimately preserving and enhancing this green space for future generations to enjoy.

“I remain forever optimistic and hope that like-minded people who care about conservation and the environment, saving woodlands and preserving nature will get in touch to help us with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

If you can help, contact Jacqui at friendsofflinthamspinney@gmail.com. To visit the group's Facebook page, click here.